WO2016193984A1 - Instrument d'examen optique médical - Google Patents

Instrument d'examen optique médical Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016193984A1
WO2016193984A1 PCT/IL2016/050574 IL2016050574W WO2016193984A1 WO 2016193984 A1 WO2016193984 A1 WO 2016193984A1 IL 2016050574 W IL2016050574 W IL 2016050574W WO 2016193984 A1 WO2016193984 A1 WO 2016193984A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
image
optical examination
instrument according
multifunctional medical
head portion
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2016/050574
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Dror Oved
Kapriel KARAGOZYAN
Original Assignee
Fresh Pond Ventures Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fresh Pond Ventures Llc filed Critical Fresh Pond Ventures Llc
Priority to EP16802698.7A priority Critical patent/EP3302223A4/fr
Priority to JP2018563071A priority patent/JP2019517873A/ja
Priority to PCT/IL2016/051297 priority patent/WO2017208220A1/fr
Publication of WO2016193984A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016193984A1/fr
Priority to US15/830,771 priority patent/US11006833B2/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00004—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by electronic signal processing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00011—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission
    • A61B1/00013—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission using optical means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00011—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission
    • A61B1/00016—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission using wireless means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/00108—Constructional details of the endoscope body characterised by self-sufficient functionality for stand-alone use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/227—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for ears, i.e. otoscopes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B3/00—Apparatus for testing the eyes; Instruments for examining the eyes
    • A61B3/0016—Operational features thereof
    • A61B3/0025—Operational features thereof characterised by electronic signal processing, e.g. eye models
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B3/00—Apparatus for testing the eyes; Instruments for examining the eyes
    • A61B3/10—Objective types, i.e. instruments for examining the eyes independent of the patients' perceptions or reactions
    • A61B3/12—Objective types, i.e. instruments for examining the eyes independent of the patients' perceptions or reactions for looking at the eye fundus, e.g. ophthalmoscopes
    • A61B3/1208—Multiple lens hand-held instruments
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B3/00—Apparatus for testing the eyes; Instruments for examining the eyes
    • A61B3/18—Arrangement of plural eye-testing or -examining apparatus
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0033—Features or image-related aspects of imaging apparatus classified in A61B5/00, e.g. for MRI, optical tomography or impedance tomography apparatus; arrangements of imaging apparatus in a room
    • A61B5/0035—Features or image-related aspects of imaging apparatus classified in A61B5/00, e.g. for MRI, optical tomography or impedance tomography apparatus; arrangements of imaging apparatus in a room adapted for acquisition of images from more than one imaging mode, e.g. combining MRI and optical tomography
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
    • A61B5/0077—Devices for viewing the surface of the body, e.g. camera, magnifying lens
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00004—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by electronic signal processing
    • A61B1/00009—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by electronic signal processing of image signals during a use of endoscope
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/0002—Operational features of endoscopes provided with data storages
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/00105—Constructional details of the endoscope body characterised by modular construction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00163—Optical arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
    • A61B2562/02—Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
    • A61B2562/0233—Special features of optical sensors or probes classified in A61B5/00

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to medical examination instruments and more particularly to medical optical examination instruments.
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved medical optical examination instrument having both analogue and digital imaging functionalities.
  • a multifunctional medical optical examination instrument including a hand-holdable portion forming a handle of the instrument, image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry at least partially located in the hand-holdable portion, and at least an optical examination head portion mountable on the hand-holdable portion and including at least optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics, the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry being arranged to receive an image from at least a portion of the at least optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics.
  • the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry is operative to receive an image from the at least portion of the at least optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics at least partially simultaneously with the image being viewable by a user via the optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics.
  • the image viewable by the user and the image received by the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry are in focus and do not require further focusing.
  • the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry is entirely located in the hand-holdable portion.
  • the optical examination head portion includes an otoscope head portion, the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry being arranged to receive an image from at least a portion of the at least optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics of the otoscope head portion, when the otoscope head portion is mounted on the hand- holdable portion.
  • the optical examination head portion includes a dermatoscope head portion, the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry being arranged to receive an image from at least a portion of the at least optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics of the dermatoscope head portion, when the dermatoscope head portion is mounted on the hand-holdable portion.
  • the optical examination head portion includes an ophthalmoscope head portion, the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry being arranged to receive an image from at least a portion of the at least optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics of the ophthalmoscope head portion, when the ophthalmoscope head portion is mounted on the hand-holdable portion.
  • the optical examination head portion includes a general purpose examination head portion, the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry being arranged to receive an image from at least a portion of the at least optical examination and non- digitized viewing optics of the general purpose examination head portion, when the general purpose examination head portion is mounted on the hand-holdable portion.
  • the hand-holdable portion includes a body portion and a neck portion, the optical examination head portion being mountable on the neck portion.
  • At least a part of the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry is located in the neck portion.
  • the optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics include a beam splitter.
  • the head portion includes an optical passage extending therethrough, the beam splitter being located within the optical passage.
  • the optical passage includes a distal end defining a distal opening and a proximal end defining a proximal opening, the distal opening being adapted for positioning in proximity to a target to be examined, the proximal opening being adapted for positioning in proximity to an eye of the user.
  • the distal opening, the proximal opening and the beam splitter are mutually optically aligned along a first optical axis.
  • At least a part of the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry and the beam splitter are mutually optically aligned along a second optical axis.
  • the first and second optical axes are angled with respect to each other.
  • the instrument also includes a multiplicity of optical elements optically aligned along the first optical axis, the multiplicity of optical elements comprising an aperture stop formed by the distal opening, a first train of lenses located behind the aperture stop and operative to form an image of the target, a second lens spaced apart from the first train of lenses and optically aligned therewith, the second lens being operative to relay an image of the aperture stop, a third train of lenses spaced apart from the second lens in a direction away from the distal opening and optically aligned with the second lens, the third train of lenses being operative to collimate light passing therethrough and an eye piece located adjacent to the third train of lenses and including an anterior lens arrangement and a posterior lens arrangement, the anterior lens arrangement being operative to receive collimated light from the third train of lenses and produce an image at a finite distance therefrom, the posterior lens arrangement being located at the proximal opening and being operative to form an image of the target viewable by the user.
  • the multiplicity of optical elements comprising an aperture stop formed by the
  • the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry includes a digital sensor and a sensor lens, the sensor lens being optically aligned with the beam splitter along the second optical axis.
  • the instrument also includes illumination sources located in the optical examination head portion.
  • the instrument is connectable to an external computing device, the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry being operative to transfer the image to the external computing device.
  • the image includes at least one of a digital still image and a digital video frame.
  • the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry is operative to store at least one of the digital still image and the digital video frame.
  • the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry is operative to perform live video streaming of the image to the external computing device in real time.
  • the transfer is wireless. Additionally or alternatively, the transfer is wired.
  • the external computing device includes a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereupon computer instructions including code segments having the following functionalities: image processing functionality, for receiving and processing the image generated by the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry, image display functionality for displaying the image processed by the image processing functionality, image capture functionality for capturing the image displayed by the image display functionality and image management functionality for managing the image captured by the image capture functionality.
  • image processing functionality for receiving and processing the image generated by the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry
  • image display functionality for displaying the image processed by the image processing functionality
  • image capture functionality for capturing the image displayed by the image display functionality
  • image management functionality for managing the image captured by the image capture functionality.
  • the functionalities also include remote control functionality for remote control of the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry.
  • the functionalities also include image analysis functionality for analyzing the image captured by the image capture functionality.
  • the image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry includes at least one antenna.
  • the hand-holdable portion includes a connector port.
  • the instrument also includes a power supply located in the hand- holdable portion.
  • the power supply includes a battery.
  • a multifunctional medical optical examination instrument set of the present invention includes a hand-holdable portion in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of optical examination head portions in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of optical examination head portions being interchangeably and replaceably mountable on the hand-holdable portion.
  • an optical arrangement for incorporation in an otoscope comprising an aperture stop formed by a distal opening of the otoscope, a first train of lenses located behind the aperture stop and operative to form an image of a target, a second lens spaced apart from the first train of lenses and optically aligned therewith, the second lens being operative to relay an image of the aperture stop, a third train of lenses spaced apart from the second lens in a direction away from the distal opening and optically aligned with the second lens, the third train of lenses being operative to collimate light passing therethrough and an eye piece located adjacent to the third train of lenses and including an anterior lens arrangement and a posterior lens arrangement, the anterior lens arrangement being operative to receive collimated light from the third train of lenses and produce an image at a finite distance therefrom, the posterior lens arrangement being located at a proximal opening of the otoscope and being operative to form an image of the target viewable by a user.
  • FIGs. 1A and IB are simplified respective schematic external perspective and cross-sectional view illustrations of a medical optical examination instrument constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGs. 2 and 3 are simplified enlarged cross-sectional view illustrations of respective portions of a medical optical examination instrument of the type shown in Figs. 1A and IB;
  • Figs. 4 A and 4B are simplified respective external perspective and cross - sectional view illustrations of a handle portion useful in a medical optical examination instrument of the type show in Figs. 1A - 3;
  • Fig. 5 is a simplified partially pictorial block diagram illustrating components useful in a handle portion of the type shown in Figs. 4A and 4B;
  • Fig. 6 is a simplified schematic perspective view illustration of a portion of a medical optical examination instrument, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 is a simplified schematic assembled view illustration of a medical optical examination instrument of the type shown in Fig. 6 including a handle portion of the type shown in Figs. 4A and 4B;
  • Fig. 8 is a simplified schematic perspective view illustration of a portion of medical optical examination instrument, constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a simplified schematic assembled view illustration of a medical optical examination instrument of the type shown in Fig. 8 including a handle portion of the type shown in Figs. 4A and 4B;
  • Fig. 10 is a simplified schematic assembled view illustration of a medical optical examination instrument constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, including a handle portion of the type shown in Figs. 4A and 4B; and
  • Fig. 11 is a simplified block diagram illustrating image processing functionalities useful in conjunction with a medical optical examination instrument of any one of the types shown in Figs. 1A - 10.
  • FIGs. 1A and IB are simplified respective schematic external perspective and cross -sectional view illustrations of a medical optical examination instrument constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • a medical optical examination instrument 100 preferably including a hand-holdable portion 102 forming a handle of instrument 100 and at least an optical examination head portion 104 mountable on hand-holdable portion 102.
  • optical examination head portion 104 is seen to be embodied as an otoscope head portion 104, such that medical optical examination instrument 100 functions as an otoscope.
  • optical examination head portion 104 is not limited to being an otoscope head portion and that medical optical examination instrument 100 is correspondingly not limited to functioning as an otoscope.
  • instrument 100 may be embodied as one of a variety of types of medical optical examination instruments, including an ophthalmoscope or dermatoscope, as will be detailed henceforth.
  • Hand-holdable portion 102 may include a body portion 110 and a neck portion 112, on which neck portion 112 head portion 104 is preferably mounted. Alternatively, hand-holdable portion 102 may have a variety of other ergonomic configurations, not necessarily including a distinct neck segment of the type of neck portion 112.
  • instrument 100 preferably includes image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry generally designated by a reference number 120 and at least partially located in hand-holdable portion 102.
  • image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 is shown to be entirely located in hand-holdable portion 102 and to be formed by an image digitization component 122, an image storage component 124 and an image transmission component 126. Further details concerning the structure and operation of image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 will be provided henceforth with reference to Figs. 4 A and 4B.
  • Optical examination head portion 104 preferably includes at least optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics generally designated by a reference number 128.
  • Optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 128 are preferably operative to form a non-digitized image of a target such as the ear canal and tympanic membrane of a patient, in the case that optical examination head portion 104 comprises an otoscope head portion. Further details concerning the structure and operation of optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 128 will be provided henceforth with reference to Figs. 2 and 3.
  • image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 in hand holdable portion 102 is arranged to receive an image from at least a portion of at least optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 128 when head portion 104 is mounted on hand-holdable portion 102.
  • Receipt of an image from optics 128 in head portion 104 by image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 in hand-holdable portion 102 preferably occurs at least partially simultaneously with the image being viewable by a user via optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 128. It is appreciated that instrument 100 thus constitutes a multifunctional instrument, allowing a user to view an image captured thereby in a non-digitized, analogue fashion in addition to and preferably simultaneously with receipt of at least a portion of the image by image digitization circuitry 120 forming a part thereof.
  • instrument 100 render instrument 100 particularly useful to a user such as a medical professional, by allowing an image to be instantaneously and conveniently viewed by the user during examination via non- digitized viewing optics 128, whilst preferably simultaneously allowing the digital capture of the image for image processing, display, analysis and/or storage.
  • optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 128 are preferably configured such that the non-digitized image presented thereby to a user is already focused on the user's eye, such that no further significant focusing adjustments are required to be made, either manually or electronically. Additionally and simultaneously, optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 128 are preferably arranged with respect to image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 such that the image received by image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 from optics 128 is already focused and no further significant focusing adjustments are required to be made, either manually or electronically. This is in contrast to conventional digital optical diagnostic tools, in which the image received at a digital sensor typically requires further focusing, either manually by a user or via an automatic mechanism.
  • Head portion 104 and hand-holdable portion 102 may be formed as modular components of instrument 100, such that hand-holdable portion 102 may be compatible for use with a variety of types of replaceable, removable optical examination head portions 104 of the present invention.
  • hand-holdable portion 102 may be configured so as to be capable of supporting more than one type of optical examination head portion 104 simultaneously thereupon.
  • hand-holdable portion 102 may be a dedicated handle portion adapted for use with a single type of optical examination head portion 104 and optionally unitarily formed therewith.
  • instrument 100 and particularly the manner in which instrument 100 performs dual, preferably at least partially simultaneous non-digitized and digitized imaging may be best understood with reference to Figs. 2 and 3, showing simplified enlarged cross- sectional view illustrations of respective portions of a medical optical examination instrument of the type shown in Figs. 1A and IB.
  • head portion 104 is here embodied as an otoscope head portion.
  • Components of otoscope head portion 104 are preferably housed by a main otoscope holder 130, which main otoscope holder 130 is preferably mounted on a neck housing 132 of neck portion 112.
  • An elongate optical passage 134 is preferably formed along and within holder 130, which optical passage 134 preferably extends beyond the outer edges of holder 130 on either side thereof.
  • Optical passage 134 preferably has a first proximal end 136 positioned proximal to a user's eye when instrument 100 is in use and a second distal end 138 positioned proximal to the ear during examination thereof.
  • Distal end 138 preferably comprises an opening 140 defined by a front end holder 142. Opening 140 is preferably enclosed by a distal insertion portion 144 insertable into the ear.
  • Distal insertion portion 144 maybe embodied as a tip element 144 such as a speculum having a distal opening 146 aligned with opening 140.
  • Speculum 144 may be a disposable element removably attached to main holder 130. Alternatively, speculum 144 may be a reusable element integrally formed with optical passage 134. Speculum 144 is preferably adapted for insertion in the ear of a patient during examination thereof, as is well known in the art. Head portion 104 may optionally additionally include an insufflator port (not shown) into which air may be blown in order to apply pressure to the ear drum, as is well known in the art.
  • Otoscope front end holder 142 may be formed as a generally tubular element having staggered walls 150, a terminus of which defines opening 140.
  • Otoscope front end holder 142 may include light sources for illuminating the field of view of the user during examination.
  • a plurality of light sources 152 is shown to be located on an anterior portion of front end holder 142.
  • Light sources 152 may be embodied as LEDs, emitting light of one or more wavelengths suitable for illumination of the field of view of instrument 100.
  • LEDs 152 may emit UV and/or blue light.
  • a generally linear array of optical elements 160 is preferably housed by otoscope front end holder 142, the staggered walls 150 of which permit the housing of optical elements having varying heights.
  • array optical elements 160 preferably includes a first train of lenses 162, a second lens 164 spaced apart from first train of lenses 162 and optically aligned therewith and a third train of lenses 166, spaced apar from second lens 164 and optically aligned therewith.
  • Head portion 104 further preferably includes a beam splitter 180, preferably located posterior to array of optical elements 160 and optically aligned therewith.
  • Beam splitter 180 may be secured in place by a beam splitter holder 182 located adjacent to and abutting otoscope front end holder 142.
  • Eye piece 190 is preferably provided behind beam splitter 180 at proximal end 136.
  • Eye piece 190 may comprise an anterior lens arrangement 192 preferably housed by a front eye piece holder 194 and located adjacent to beam splitter 180, a hollow channel 196 preferably defined by a central eye piece holder 198 and a posterior lens arrangement 1100 terminating at proximal end 136 and preferably held by an eye piece back cover 1102.
  • Eye piece 190 is preferably aligned with main holder 130 and other elements of optical passage 134 by way of an aligning mechanism, such as an eye piece aligner 1104.
  • Eye piece aligner 1104 preferably comprises a mechanical assembly for providing alignment adjustment of the optical components posterior to beam splitter 180.
  • optical passage 134 of head portion 104 may be composed of several sub-segments including a front end housed by front end holder 142, a central region enclosing beam splitter 180 housed by beam splitter holder 182 and an eye piece 190 housed by eye piece holder 198. It is understood, however, that this particular embodiment of optical passage 134 is illustrative and exemplary only and that head portion 104 may comprise any optical pathway therethrough having a variety of suitable configurations as are well known in the art.
  • anterior lens arrangement 192 and posterior lens arrangement 1100 of optical passage 134 comprise a preferred embodiment of optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 128 of optical head portion 104.
  • array of optical elements 160, beam splitter 180, anterior lens arrangement 192 and posterior lens arrangement 1100 are preferably aligned along a first common optical axis 1200.
  • speculum 144 is preferably inserted in the ear of a patient to be examined, illumination of which is provided by LEDs 152.
  • illumination of which is provided by LEDs 152.
  • light reflected or scattered from the tympanic membrane of the ear of a patient enters head portion 104 through opening 140 and propagates towards first train of lenses 162.
  • Opening 140 thus preferably forms the aperture stop of optics 128.
  • First train of lenses 162 preferably comprises three optical elements, as shown herein, operative to form an image of the tympanic membrane.
  • the image formed by first train of lenses 162 may be formed at a finite distance, such as at a first plane A, as shown in Fig. 3.
  • first train of lenses 162 may be arranged so as to form an image at an infinite distance.
  • Second lens 164 is preferably a field lens, placed near the image formed at first plane A in order to relay an image of the aperture stop formed by opening 140 to the entrance pupil of image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120. Additionally, second lens 164 relays an image of the aperture stop formed by opening 140 to a location adjacent to third train of lenses 166. It is appreciated that although second lens 164 is shown herein to comprise a single optical element, second lens 164 may be modified to include a greater number of optical elements, depending on the optical requirements thereof.
  • Third train of lenses 166 is preferably operative to collimate light travelling therethrough. This is advantageous since should converging rather than collimated light pass through beam splitter 180, the converging light would acquire aberrations, thereby reducing the sharpness of the image. Additionally, collimation of light by third train of lenses 166 facilitates the use of a commercially available camera lens as part of image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120. It is appreciated that should beam splitter 180 be made very thin, suc that aberrations produced thereby would be minimized, and/or should the use of a commercially available camera lens be avoided, third train of lenses 166 may be obviated since the collimating functionality thereof would be rendered unnecessary.
  • Anterior lens arrangement 192 is preferably operative to receive collimated light from third train of lenses 166 and produce an image at a finite distance therefrom, preferably between anterior lens arrangement 192 and posterior lens arrangement 1 100 at a second plane B.
  • Optics 128 thus preferably produce an even number of internal images, two in this case, at first plane A and second plane B.
  • the view presented to a user viewing the image through posterior lens arrangement 1100 is upright. Should optics 128 produce an odd number of internal images, the view presented to a user viewing the image through posterior lens arrangement 1 100 would be inverted.
  • Posterior lens arrangement 1100 functions as the eyepiece of head portion 104, producing an image of the tympanic membrane substantially at infinity, such that the image may be easily observed, thereby reducing the eye strain for users of instrument 100.
  • Posterior lens arrangement 1100 is additionally preferably operative to form an exit pupil in the vicinity of the pupil of the user's eye, such as at a third plane C.
  • the exit pupil may be at least 15 mm from posterior lens arrangement 1100 and preferably is at least 20 mm therefrom.
  • Light impinging on beam splitter 180 from third train of lenses 166 is preferably split in two directions by beam splitter 180.
  • a first portion of the light is preferably transmitted through beam splitter 180 and continues to travel through optical passage 134 along optical axis 1200.
  • a second poxtion of the light is reflected by beam splitter 180 in a direction that is angled with respect to first optical axis 1200, so as to exit optical passage 134.
  • the second portion of light is seen to be deflected along a second optical axis 1202 in a direction generally perpendicular to first optical axis 1200.
  • first optical axis 1200 The first portion of light transmitted through beam splitter 180 along first optical axis 1200 is preferably received by posterior and anterior lens arrangements 192, 1100 and forms a non-digitized image viewable by the user, as described above. It is appreciated that first optical axis 1200 therefore constitutes a non-digital optical axis, wherealong light emanating from the target is transmitted to a user, allowing the user to view a non- digitized image of the target.
  • the non- digitized image generated thereby is in focus on the user's eye when viewed by the user through eye piece 190, such that further manual or automatic focusing of the image is largely or entirely unnecessary.
  • the user may thus immediately interpret the non- digitized image without any additional focusing adjustments to the image being required.
  • the second portion of light reflected by beam splitter 180 along second optical axis 1202 is preferably incident upon image digitization circuitry 122, preferably comprising a digital sensor 1300. It is appreciated that second optical axis 1202 thus constitutes a digital optical axis, wherealong light emanating from the target is transmitted to digital sensor 1300, thus facilitating the formation of a digitized image of the target.
  • Digital sensor 1300 is preferably located in hand -hold able portion 102 and particularly preferably located in neck portion 1 12 thereof. It is appreciated, however, that digital sensor 1300 may alternatively be located in head portion 104. By way of example, head portion 104 may be formed including neck portion 112 therewith, whereby digital sensor 1300 located in neck portion 1 12 may be considered to constitute a part of head portion 104. It is understood that in the case that instrument 100 does not include neck portion 1 12, digital sensor 1300 may be located in alternative locations in handle 102 or head portion 104.
  • the second portion of light reflected by beam splitter 180 may be focused upon digital sensor 1300 by way of a sensor lens 1302, which sensor lens 1302 is preferably aligned with second optical axis 1202, It is appreciated that, due to the arrangement of optical elements 162, 164, 166 and 180 with respect to sensor lens 1302, the image received by sensor lens 1302 from optics 128 is in focus on sensor lens 1302, such that additional focusing of the image on digital sensor 1300 is largely or entirely unnecessary. The need for additional focusing elements and/or mechanisms associated with digital sensor 1300 is thus advantageously obviated.
  • instrument 100 thus exhibits light propagation and image formation along two separate optical axes, namely first non-digital optical axis 1200 and second digital optical axis 1202, optical components along the first and second axes being arranged so as to produce respective focused analogue and digitized images. Additionally, such in-focus analogue and digitized images may be produced simultaneously,
  • Sensor lens 1302 may be secured by a sensor lens holder 1304 and housed in a sensor lens housing 1306.
  • Digital sensor 1300 may be cooperatively coupled to a digital sensor board 1308.
  • Digital sensor 1300 in combination with sensor lens 1302 and sensor board 1308 preferably comprises a digital camera for generating a digitized image of the target.
  • the digitized image of the target may be a still image or may be a video frame forming a component of a digital video. Subsequent processing of the digital image or video produced at digital sensor 1300 is explained in greater detail below, with reference to Figs. 4A and 4B.
  • optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 128 illustrated in Figs. 1A - 3 is exemplary only and that optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 128 may be embodied as any arrangement of optical elements having optical examination and non-digitized viewing capabilities.
  • optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 128 are described herein in the context of incorporation in instrument 100, optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 128 are not limited to use in instrument 100 and may be incorporated in other types of digital and analogue otoscopes, with appropriate modifications as may be required.
  • digital sensor 1300 is exemplary only and that digital sensor 1300 may be embodied as any digital camera having image digitization functionalit .
  • beam splitter 180 may comprise any optical device capable of splitting light emanating from the examined target so as to be directed along two separate optical axes.
  • beam splitter 180 may comprise one or more stationary or mobile elements, such as moving mirrors or rotating elements.
  • beam splitter 180 may split the light between first and second optical axes 1200 and 1202 in any desired ratio, depending on the required intensity of the non- digitized and digitized images respectively.
  • head portion 104 may be replaced by alternative elements carrying out comparable or additional functions.
  • eye piece 190 may be augmented or replaced by a viewing screen to enhance the user's view of the non-digitized image.
  • Head portion 104 may also include auto-focus technology or manual focus mechanisms, to aid a user in adjusting focus of optics 128 in clinical situations in which such adjustments may be advantageous.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are simplified respective external perspective and cross -sectional view illustrations of a handle portion useful in a medical optical examination instrument of the type show in Figs. 1A - 3.
  • hand-holdable portion 102 may include body portion 110 and neck portion 112, upon which neck portion 112 a head portion of the device of the present invention is preferably mountabie. It is appreciated, however, that the delineation of body portion 110 and neck portion 112 is for ease of description only and that hand-holdable portion 102 may alternatively be formed as a continuous element, the neck of which is indistinguishable from the body. As described hereinabove with reference to Figs.
  • hand-holdable portion 102 preferably includes image digitization circuitry 122, here embodied as digital image sensor 1300 coupled to sensor board 1308, for digitizing an image received from optics 128 in head portion 104.
  • Digital sensor 1300 in combination with sensor board 1308 may be operative to create individual digitized images and/or videos based on images received from non-digitized optics 128.
  • digital image sensor 1300 and sensor board 1308 are shown to be located in neck portion 112 proximate to head portion 104, although it is appreciated that digital image sensor 1300 and sensor board 1308 may be moved to alternative locations within hand-holdable portion 102. It is further appreciated that digital image sensor 1300 and sensor board 1308 may alternatively be located in head portion 104 of instrument 100.
  • Neck portion 112 may include a locking mechanism 400 for securing head portion thereon and for ensuring correct optical alignment of optics 128 with sensor 1300.
  • An LED power connection 402 adapted for providing power to LEDs 152 may also be provided on an upper portion of neck 112.
  • Sensor board 1308 is preferably connected to a main controller board 410 located in handle body 110.
  • main controller board 410 preferably includes a main controller module 412 for controlling the operation of instrument 100 including at least LEDs 152 and image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120.
  • Main controller board 410 preferably additionally includes an internal embedded or removable memory and storage module 414 for storage of digitized images or videos created at digital sensor 1300 and a wireless connection module 416, such as a WiFi module.
  • Wireless connection module 416 is preferably connected to at least one antenna, such as an antenna 418 located in handle portion 102 and operative to wirelessly transmit digitized images or videos to an external device, such as a PC. It is appreciated that handle portion 102 may alternatively include multiple antennas, depending on the transmission requirements thereof.
  • handle portion 102 may include a connection port, such as a USB port 420.
  • image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 in handle portion 102 is operative to perform live video streaming of digitized videos to the external computing device in real time.
  • the videos of the target may be displayed on a screen of the external computing device effectively simultaneously with a user viewing the target in an analogue fashion through non-digitized optics 128 of instrument 100.
  • Instrument 100 may be powered by a battery 430, preferably located in handle portion 102 and connected at least to main controller board 410 and digital sensor board 1308.
  • Batter 430 may be any type of battery suitable for providing power to instrument 100 and may be rechargable by way of one or more of a variety of mechanisms, including inductive charging, cradle or wired charging.
  • Handle portion 102 may optionally additionally include an image analysis module (not shown) for use in analyzing digitized images or videos generated by image digitization circuitry 122 in order to aid diagnosis based thereon.
  • image analysis functionality may be included in an external device to which instrument 100 may be connected.
  • Body portion 110 may also include a plurality of user control features for operating and monitoring operation of instrument 100, including, by way of example only, an on/off control feature 440, a series of power, battery and connectivity indicators 442, an LED control button 444 and an image or video capture feature 446.
  • Image or video capture feature 446 allows a user to initiate capture of digitized still images or digitized video frames by image digitization circuitry 122.
  • Image or video capture feature 446 may be a press button as illustrated herein or may be any other type of control feature such as a trigger.
  • Fig. 6 is a simplified schematic perspective view illustration of a portion of a medical optical examination instrument, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention and to Fig. 7, which is a simplified schematic assembled view illustration of a medical optical examination instrument of the type shown in Fig. 6 including a handle portion of the type shown in Figs. 4 A and 4B.
  • a medical optical examination instrument 600 preferably including hand-holdable portion 102 forming a handle of instrument 600 and at least an optical examination head portion 604 mountable on hand- holdable portion 102.
  • optical examination head portion 604 is seen to be embodied as an ophthalmoscope head portion 604, such that medical optical examination instrument 600 functions as an ophthalmoscope.
  • ophthalmoscope head portion 604 may include an optical passage 634 having a proximal end 636 defining a proximal opening 637 and a distal end 638 defining a distal opening 640. It is appreciated that instrument 600 is rendered partially transparent in Fig. 6 in order to more clearly depict the elements housed therein.
  • Proximal opening 637 is preferably adapted for positioning in proximity to a user's eye and distal opening 640 is preferably adapted for positioning in proximity to a target during examination thereof.
  • Ophthalmoscope head portion 604 further preferably includes additional examination and functional features typical of ophthalmoscopes as are well known in the art.
  • Hand-holdable portion 102 is preferably of the type illustrated in Figs. 4 A - 5 and preferably includes body portion 110 and neck portion 112, on which neck portion 112 head portion 604 is preferably mounted.
  • Ophthalmoscope optical examination head portion 604 preferably includes at least optical examination and non- digitized viewing optics generally designated by a reference number 628.
  • Optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 628 are preferably operative to form an image of a target such as the fundus of an eye of a patient.
  • image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 at least partially located in hand-holdable portion 102 is arranged to receive an image from at least a portion of at least optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 628 when head portion 604 is mounted on hand-holdable portion 102.
  • Receipt of an image from optics 628 in head portion 604 by image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 preferably occurs at least partially simultaneously with the image being viewable by a user via optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 628. It is appreciated that instrument 600 thus constitutes a multifunctional instrument, allowing a user to view an image captured thereby in a non- digitized, analogue fashion in addition to and preferably simultaneously with receipt of at least a portion of the image by image digitization circuitry 120 forming a part thereof.
  • optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 628 are preferably configured such that the non-digitized image presented thereby to a user is in focus on the user's eye when viewed by the user, such that further manual or automatic focusing of the image is largely or entirely unnecessary. The user may thus immediately interpret the non-digitized image without any additional focusing adjustments to the image being required.
  • optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 628 are preferably arranged with respect to image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 such that the image received by image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 from optics 628 is instantaneously in focus on digital sensor 1300, additional focusing of the image on digital sensor 1300 thereby being rendered largely or entirely unnecessary.
  • the need for additional focusing elements and/or mechanisms associated with digital sensor 1300 is thus advantageously- obviated. This is in contrast to conventional digital optical diagnostic tools, in which the image received at a digital sensor typically requires focusing, either manually by a user or via an automatic mechanism.
  • the combined, preferably simultaneously operative non-digitized and digitized imaging functionalities of instrument 600 render instrument 600 particularly useful to a user such as a medical professional, by allowing an image to be instantaneously and conveniently viewed by the user during examination via non- digitized viewing optics 628, whilst preferably simultaneously allowing the digital capture of the image for subsequent image processing, analysis and/or storage.
  • Ophthalmoscope head portion 604 and hand-holdable portion 102 may be formed as modular components of instrument 600, such that hand-holdable portion 102 may be compatible for use with a variety of types of replaceable, removable optical examination head portions of the present invention.
  • hand-holdable portion 102 may be a dedicated handle portion adapted for use with ophthalmoscope head portion 604 and optionally unitarily formed therewith.
  • non -digitized viewing optics 628 preferably includes a. beam splitter 680.
  • Light emanating from the target to be examined preferably enters instrument 600 via distal opening 640 and is preferably transmitted through optical passage 634 to beam splitter 680.
  • a first portion of light impinging on beam splitter 680 is preferably transmitted therethrough along a first optical axis 6200 to proximal opening 637, here preferably embodied as an eye piece 6201, wherea a user may view a non-digitized image of the examined region.
  • the image of the examined target thus may be directly viewed by the user instantaneously upon examination of the target in a. non-digitized, analogue fashion.
  • first optical axis 6200 thus constitutes a non-digital optical axis, wherealong light emanating from the target is transmitted to a user, thus allowing the user to view a. non-digitized image of the target.
  • a second portion of light impinging on beam splitter 680 is preferably reflected thereby along a second optical axis 6202.
  • the reflected light is preferably incident upon digital sensor 1300, preferably located in hand-holdable portion 102 and particularly preferably located in neck portion 112 thereof.
  • second optical axis 6202 thus constitutes a digital optical axis, wherealong light emanating from the target is transmitted to digital sensor 1300, thus facilitating the formation of a digitized image of the target.
  • Subsequent processing of the digitized image or video is generally as described above, with reference to Figs. 4A - 5.
  • digital sensor 1300 may alternatively be located in head portion 604.
  • head portion 604 may be formed including neck portion 112 therewith, whereby digital sensor 1300 located in neck portion 112 may be considered to constitute a part of head portion 604.
  • instrument 600 does not include neck portion 112
  • digital sensor 1300 may be located in alternative locations in handle 102 or head portion 604.
  • Fig. 8 is a simplified schematic perspective view illustration of a portion of a medical optical examination instrument, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 9 is a simplified schematic assembled view illustration of a medical optical examination instrument of the type shown in Fig. 8 including a handle portion of the type shown in Figs. 4 A and 4B.
  • a medical optical examination instrument 800 preferably including hand-holdable portion 102 forming a handle of instrument 800 and at least an optical examination head portion 804 mountable on hand-holdable portion 102.
  • optical examination head portion 804 is seen to be embodied as a dermatoscope head portion 804, such that medical optical examination instrument 800 functions as a dermatoscope.
  • Dermatoscope head portion 804 may include an optical passage 834 having a proximal end 836 defining a proximal opening 837 and a distal end 838 defining a distal opening 840.
  • Proximal opening 837 is preferably adapted for positioning in proximity to a user's eye and distal opening 840 is preferably adapted for positioning in proximity to a target during examination thereof.
  • Dermatoscope head portion 804 further preferably includes examination and functional features typical of dermatoscopes as are well known in the art. . It is appreciated that instrument 800 is rendered partially transparent in Fig. 8 in order to more clearly depict the elements housed therein.
  • Hand-holdable portion 102 is preferably of the type illustrated in Figs. 4 A - 5 and preferably includes body portion 110 and neck portion 112, on which neck portion 112 head portion 804 is preferably mounted.
  • Dermatoscope optical examination head portion 804 preferably includes at least optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics generally designated by a reference number 828.
  • Optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 828 are preferably operative to form an image of a target such as the skin of a patient.
  • image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 at least partially located in hand-holdable portion 102 is arranged to receive an image from at least a portion of at least optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 828 when head portion 804 is mounted on hand-holdable portion 102.
  • Receipt of an image from optics 828 in head portion 804 by image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 preferably occurs at least partially simultaneously with the image being viewable by a user via optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 828.
  • instrument 800 thus constitutes a multifunctional instrument, allowing a user to view an image captured thereby in a non- digitized, analogue fashion in addition to and preferably simultaneously with receipt of at least a portion of the image by image digitization circuitry 120 forming a part thereof.
  • optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 828 are preferably configured such that the non-digitized image presented thereby to a user is in focus on the user's eye when viewed by the user, such that further manual or automatic focusing of the non-digitized image is largely or entirely unnecessary. The user may thus immediately interpret the non-digitized image without any additional focusing adjustments to the image being required.
  • optical examination and non-digitized viewing optics 828 are preferably arranged with respect to image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 such that the image received by image digitization, storage and transmission circuitry 120 from optics 828 is instantaneously in focus on digital sensor 1300, additional focusing of the image on digital sensor 1300 thereby being rendered largely or entirely unnecessary.
  • the need for additional focusing elements and/or mechanisms associated with digital sensor 1300 is thus advantageously obviated. This is in contrast to conventional digital optical diagnostic tools, in which the image received at a digital sensor typically requires focusing, either manually by a user or via an automatic mechanism.
  • the combined, preferably simultaneously operative non-digitized and digitized imaging functionalities of instrument 800 render instrument 800 particularly useful to a user such as a medical professional, by allowing an image to be instantaneously and conveniently viewed by the user during examination via non- digitized viewing optics 828, whilst preferably simultaneously allowing the digital capture of the image for subsequent image processing, analysis and/or storage.
  • Dermatoscope head portion 804 and hand-holdable portion 102 may be formed as modular components of instrument 800, such that hand-holdable portion 102 may be compatible for use with a variety of types of replaceable, removable optical examination head portions of the present invention.
  • hand-holdable portion 102 may be a dedicated handle portion adapted for use with dermatoscope head portion 804 and optionally unitarily formed therewith.
  • non-digitized viewing optics 828 preferably include a beam splitter 880
  • Light received from the target to be examined preferably enters instrument 800 via distal opening 840 and is preferably transmitted along optical passage 834 to beam splitter 880.
  • a first portion of light impinging on beam splitter 880 is preferably transmitted therethrough along a first optical axis 8200 to proximal opening 837, which proximal opening 837 preferably comprises an eye piece 8201, whereat a user may view a non-digitized image of the examined region.
  • the image of the examined target thus may be directly viewed by the user instantaneously upon examination of the target in a non-digitized, analogue fashion.
  • first optical axis 8200 thus constitutes a non-digitized optical axis, wherealong light emanating from the target is transmitted to a user, thus allowing the user to view a non- digitized image of the target.
  • a second portion of light impinging on beam splitter 880 is preferably reflected thereby along a second optical axis 8202.
  • the reflected light is preferably- incident upon digital sensor 1300, preferably located in hand-holdable portion 102 and particularly preferably located in neck portion 112 thereof.
  • second optical axis 8202 thus constitutes a digital optical axis, wherealong light emanating from the target is transmitted to digital sensor 1300, thus facilitating the formation of a digitized image or video of the target.
  • Subsequent processing of the digitized image or video is generally as described above, with reference to Figs. 4A - 5.
  • digital sensor 1300 may alternatively be located in head portion 804.
  • head portion 804 may be formed including neck portion 112 therewith, whereby digital sensor 1300 located in neck portion 112 may be considered to constitute a part of head portion 804. It is understood that in the case that instrument 800 does not include neck portion 112, digital sensor 1300 may be located in alternative locations in handle 102 or head portion 804.
  • optical examination head portion of the present invention is not limited to being embodied as otoscope head portion 104, ophthalmoscope head portion 604 or dermatoscope head portion 804, but rather may be embodied as any suitable optical examination head portion.
  • head portion 104 may be formed as a general purpose examination head portion 904 mo un table on handle 102.
  • General purpose examination head portion 904 may be used to optically examine wider areas of the body, such as wounds, scars or nails, and may generally resemble head portions 104, 604 and 804 in all relevant aspects thereof.
  • FIG. 11 is a simplified block diagram illustrating image processing functionalities useful in conjunction with a medical optical examination instrument of any one of the types shown in Figs. 1A - 10.
  • Modular image processing and management functionalities 1000 may be carried out by an external computing device to which an instrument of the present invention may be connected by a wired or wireless connection.
  • an external computing device preferably includes a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereupon computer instructions including code segments having image processing and management functionalities 1000.
  • instrument 100 is shown to be wirelessly connected to an external computing device generally represented by reference number 1002.
  • External computing device 1002 preferably includes a wireless communication hardware and/or software module 1004 for facilitating wireless communication of computing device 1002 with instrument 100.
  • External computing device 1002 may be any computing device such as a tablet, PC or smartphone.
  • Image processing and management functionalities 1000 may include a real-time video and/or image processing module 1010 communicatively coupled to at least one of a video display module 1012 and an image display module 1014. Videos and images displayed at video display module 1012 and image display module 1014 respectively may be captured by a video capture module 1016 and an image capture module 1018 respectively. The videos and/or images so captured may then be transferred to an image video storage and management module 1020, operative to store, organize and generally manage the videos and/or images. Video storage and management module 1020 may optionally be connected to an image analysis module 1022, as shown herein. Alternatively, as detailed above with reference to Figs. 4A and 4B, image analysis module 1022 may be included as a functional module housed in handle portion 102 rather than in a computing device external thereto.
  • Image processing and management functionalities 1000 may additionally include a camera remote control module 1024, for remote control of digital sensor 1300 and sensor board 1308.
  • Camera remote control module 1024 may be connected to image and video display and capture modules 1010 - 1018, such that sensor settings may be adjusted responsive to captured image and/or video quality parameters.
  • Computing device 1002 may further include a streaming module 1026 connected to real-time video and/or image processing module 1010, for streaming of data to an external source such as a telemedicine system.
  • a streaming module 1026 connected to real-time video and/or image processing module 1010, for streaming of data to an external source such as a telemedicine system.

Abstract

Instrument d'examen optique médical multifonction comprenant une partie pouvant être tenue à la main formant un manche de l'instrument, des circuits de numérisation, de stockage et de transmission d'image situés au moins partiellement dans la partie pouvant être tenue à la main, et au moins une partie tête d'examen optique pouvant être montée sur la partie pouvant être tenue à la main, et comprenant au moins de l'optique d'examen optique et de visualisation non numérisée, les circuits de numérisation, de stockage et de transmission d'image étant conçus pour recevoir une image provenant d'au moins une partie de l'au moins optique d'examen optique et de visualisation non numérisée.
PCT/IL2016/050574 2015-06-05 2016-06-02 Instrument d'examen optique médical WO2016193984A1 (fr)

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EP16802698.7A EP3302223A4 (fr) 2015-06-05 2016-06-02 Instrument d'examen optique médical
JP2018563071A JP2019517873A (ja) 2015-06-05 2016-12-05 医療用光学的検査器具
PCT/IL2016/051297 WO2017208220A1 (fr) 2015-06-05 2016-12-05 Instrument d'examen optique médical
US15/830,771 US11006833B2 (en) 2015-06-05 2017-12-04 Medical optical examination instrument

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US62/171,665 2015-06-05

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US20180084999A1 (en) 2018-03-29
US11006833B2 (en) 2021-05-18
WO2017208220A1 (fr) 2017-12-07
JP2019517873A (ja) 2019-06-27
EP3302223A4 (fr) 2019-01-09
EP3302223A1 (fr) 2018-04-11

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